Understanding Insomnia in Children and Adolescents

Creator: Medica Health team
Published: 2026-10-23
Keywords: insomnia in children and adolescents, insomnia and aging

medica-seed-editor · October 23, 2026, 11:50am

Insomnia in children and adolescents and adults is one of the most common sleep disorders, causing difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or waking up without feeling rested.

What is Insomnia and What Are Its Symptoms?

This disorder manifests as challenges when trying to fall asleep, frequent waking during the night, or waking up very early and being unable to return to sleep. Its impact is not limited to the night but extends to the following day, where the affected person feels:

Lethargy and low levels of physical energy.
Distraction and difficulty concentrating or remembering.
Mood swings, such as anxiety, irritability, or feelings of depression.
An increased likelihood of making mistakes or having accidents.

Common Causes of Sleep Disorders

Insomnia may be a standalone problem or a result of other factors, most notably:

Psychological Stress: Anxiety related to work, study, the loss of a loved one, or financial problems.
Lifestyle and Habits: Using smartphones and computers before bed, eating heavy meals late, or irregular sleep and wake times.
Environmental and Physical Factors: Traveling across different time zones, working shift patterns, or suffering from diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, asthma, and chronic pain.
Stimulants: Consuming caffeine found in coffee, tea, and soft drinks, or nicotine, while alcohol may initially help with sleep but prevents reaching deep sleep stages.
Medications: Certain antidepressants, blood pressure medications, or painkillers containing stimulants.

Insomnia and Aging

The likelihood of developing this disorder increases with age due to several changes:

Pattern Changes: The biological clock becomes advanced; older adults feel tired earlier and wake up very early, and their sleep becomes lighter and more affected by noise.
Physical Activity: A decline in movement and social activity may reduce the quality of nightly sleep and increase reliance on daytime naps.
Health Problems: Cases of sleep apnea, restless legs syndrome, and prostate or bladder problems that require nighttime urination increase. This connection between insomnia and aging often complicates overall health.

Insomnia in Children and Adolescents

Young people and teens may face sleep difficulties, but often this is not pathological. Instead, it may be a result of delayed biological clocks, making them prefer staying up late and sleeping late into the morning.

Most Vulnerable Groups and Complications

Women are more prone to the disorder due to hormonal changes associated with the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, or menopause. Risks also increase for those over sixty or those suffering from psychological and physical disorders.

If the problem persists, it may lead to serious complications, including:

Decline in professional or academic performance.
Slower reaction times while driving.
Increased risk of long-term diseases such as hypertension and heart disease.

Prevention Methods and Healthy Sleep Habits

Sleep quality can be improved by following these steps:

Set fixed daily sleep and wake times.
Exercise regularly during the day and avoid strenuous physical effort two to three hours before bed.
Dedicate the bedroom to sleep only, maintaining a moderate temperature and good ventilation.
Stay away from screens (TV, computer) before bed to ensure melatonin levels do not drop.
Avoid heavy meals at least three hours before sleep.

FAQ

How much sleep do we need?

Needs vary from person to person; most adults need between 6 to 9 hours, while school-aged children need about 10 hours, and newborns may sleep 16 hours. Those over seventy may need less than 6 hours.

Can children have insomnia?

Yes, children can experience difficulty falling or staying asleep. This may be due to anxiety, poor sleep hygiene, or underlying health issues.

What does insomnia feel like?

Most sufferers do not feel actual sleepiness, but are instead dominated by a feeling of lethargy, lack of vitality, and an exhausted state of wakefulness despite being tired.

When is insomnia classified as a persistent problem?

When sleep difficulties occur three or more times a week and this condition lasts for at least one month.

Who are the groups most prone to insomnia?

Women and older adults are the most susceptible, in addition to people experiencing severe psychological stress or suffering from chronic diseases.

When Should You Visit a Doctor?

You should consult a specialist in the following cases:

If it becomes difficult to perform daily activities and work efficiently.
When feeling constant and excessive anxiety about the ability to sleep.
If there is a suspicion of breathing disorders during sleep.

Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and does not replace a consultation with a specialist doctor to diagnose the condition or determine the appropriate treatment.